Mountain Area Merchants Hold Fire Preparedness Fair

OAKHURST — The term “fire season” seems to have replaced the word “summer” in the local lexicon, and as the days grow warmer area residents may want to make note of a special event happening locally that should serve to alleviate some stress.

Mountain Area Merchants Association (MAMA) invites the community to a day designed to spread the word about preparedness, as the organization hosts a Fire Awareness Fair and drive-through BBQ on Saturday, Jun. 4 from 1 – 4 p.m. in the parking lot where Vons is located.

“We are excited that so many of our great mountain organizations have offered to come help spread the word about the importance of being prepared as we kick off fire season,” says organizer Lizz Winterton, office representative for Marilyn Rigg State Farm. “As many of you may remember, it has been just two years since the Courtney and Junction fires ripped through Oakhurst. Many of our residents were not ready. We hope that events like ours will help to stress the importance of being prepared and aware.”

Community members are encouraged to attend the fair, where they may speak directly with representatives from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and also register for emergency systems including MC Alert, child fingerprinting, and Operation Lost & Found transmitters.

Cal Fire will be in attendance, along with Smokey Bear, and the Madera County FireWise Program will be stationed at the event. Residents can talk to someone from PGE, the CHP, and the USFS. Also on hand will be a rep from Madera/Mariposa Office of Emergency Services, and other emergency services including Sierra Ambulance.

5th District Supervisor Tom Wheeler will be manning the barbeque for the event. The delicious tri-tip dinner with sides is $10 per person. Sponsors of the event include Wild Wonderful Women, True Value, Sierra Sunrise Rotary and Sierra Rotary – Noon.

“We are hoping for a great turnout that day – but that only happens if we all spread the word,” Lizz reminds the community. “We truly appreciate all of the people and organizations that are coming together to make this happen!”